In a rare rebuke, five Western nations sanctioned two Israeli far-right ministers on Tuesday, citing their role in inciting settler violence and opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state, escalating diplomatic tensions over Israel's conduct in Gaza and the West Bank.

Sanctions Mark First Against Sitting Israeli Ministers

The U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway issued a joint statement freezing assets and banning travel for Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. “These actions are not acceptable,” the statement read, calling their rhetoric and policies a direct threat to Palestinian human rights.

Hugh Lovatt of the European Council on Foreign Relations said the move is “unprecedented,” adding it reflects “deep anger in many Western capitals at the Israeli government’s actions.”

Israel Reacts with Defiance

Speaking at a West Bank settlement ceremony, Smotrich defiantly told supporters, “Britain has already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland and we will not allow it to do this again.” Ben-Gvir, invoking biblical imagery, said, “We survived the [Egyptian] pharaoh, and we’ll survive Keir Starmer too.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the sanctions, calling them “outrageous,” while the government plans to formally respond next week.

U.S. Criticism, France’s Pressure

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the sanctions, warning that they could jeopardize efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire and hostages’ release. “We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile, doubled down on his criticism of Israel’s aid blockade and urged recognition of a Palestinian state during an upcoming UN summit co-hosted with Saudi Arabia. France has also condemned Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound activist ship carrying Greta Thunberg.

Broader Western Rift Over Gaza

The EU’s stance has hardened since the March Gaza ceasefire collapse. While Spain, Norway, and Ireland have already recognized a Palestinian state, France and other EU members are considering doing the same. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently called Israel’s actions in Gaza “disproportionate” and in violation of international law.

Despite Israel’s partial resumption of aid in May, the UN and NGOs warn the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains critical.